By this the boiling kettle had prepared, And to the table sent the smoking lard; On which, with eager appetite, they dine, A savoury bit, that served to relish wine; The wine itself was suiting to the rest, Still working in the must, and lately pressed. The second course succeeds like that before, Plumbs, apples, nuts, and, of their wintry-store, Dry figs and grapes, and wrinkled dates were set In canisters, to enlarge the little treat; All these a milk-white honey-comb surround, Which in the midst the country-banquet crowned. But the kind hosts their entertainment grace With hearty welcome, and an open face; In all they did, you might discern with ease A willing mind, and a desire to please. Mean time the beechen bowls went round, and still, Though often emptied, were observed to fill; Filled without hands, and of their own accord Ran without feet, and danced about the board. Devotion seized the pair, to see the feast With wine, and of no common grape, increased; And up they held their hands, and fell to prayer, Excusing, as they could, their country fare. One goose they had, 'twas all they could allow, } A wakeful sentry, and on duty now, } Whom to the gods for sacrifice they vow: } Her, with malicious zeal, the couple viewed; She ran for life, and, limping, they pursued; Full well the fowl perceived their bad intent, And would not make her master's compliment; But, persecuted, to the powers she flies, And close between the legs of Jove she lies. He, with a gracious ear, the suppliant heard, And saved her life; then what he was declared, And owned the god. The neighbourhood, said he, Shall justly perish for impiety; You stand alone exempted; but obey With speed, and follow where we lead the way; Leave these accursed, and to the mountain's height Ascend, nor once look backward in your flight.-- They haste, and what their tardy feet denied, The trusty staff (their better leg) supplied. An arrow's flight they wanted to the top, And there secure, but spent with travel, stop; Then turn their now no more forbidden eyes:-- Lost in a lake, the floated level lies; A watery desert covers all the plains, Their cot alone, as in an isle, remains: Wondering, with peeping eyes, while they deplore Their neighbours' fate, and country now no more, Their little shed, scarce large enough for two, Seems, from the ground increased, in height and bulk to grow. A stately temple shoots within the skies; The crotchets of their cot in columns rise; The pavement polished marble they behold, The gates with sculpture graced, the spires and tiles of gold. Then thus the sire of gods, with looks serene, Speak thy desire, thou only just of men; And thou, O woman, only worthy found